A fresh approach to TMJ disorder treatment in Dothan, AL

If you suffer from TMJ problems, you have probably heard plenty of well-intended but uninformed comments. “It’s all in your head.” “Just relax.” “That’s a trendy thing.” These individuals have not endured the myriad of symptoms that can be triggered by TMJ disorder. Sadly, treatment from a medical doctor is often limited to pain-masking drugs. Dothan, AL dentists, Dr. Nathan and Dr. Brian Pfister believe you deserve more – accurate diagnosis, effective TMJ treatment technologies, and compassion.

Understanding TMJs

Your mouth requires a broad range of motion to tear and grind food, form sounds necessary for speech, create facial expressions, and breathe freely. Temporomandibular joints (TMJs) hinge the jaw to the skull, allowing it to move up and down, side to side, and slide forward.

TMJs that are out of proper alignment can trigger a cascade of symptoms felt from jaws to hips:

• Pain in one or both jaw joints.
• General tenderness in the jaw.
• Aching facial pain.
• Facial muscle spasms.
• Earache.
• Ear noises.
• Limited jaw mobility.
• Jaw locks open or closed.
• Clicks, pops, grinding, or other unusual noises emanating from the mouth.
• Difficulty or pain while chewing.
• Headaches or migraines (especially in the morning).
• Pain in the neck or shoulders.
• Dizziness.
• Insomnia.
• Obstructed airway leading to breathing problems and sleep apnea.
• Pinched nerves that may cause back spasms, or numbness and tingling in extremities.

Because these issues are so varied, they are often misdiagnosed.

Dental treatment for TMD

While integrative care (collaboration with a chiropractor, massage therapist, or physician) may ultimately be needed, treatment for TMJ disorder ideally starts in our chair. The dentists make a thorough evaluation of symptoms coupled with examination. He utilizes advanced 3D imaging technologyfor an in-depth look at the jaw and surrounding structures.

Treatment may be as simple as bite adjustment – replacing poorly-fitting dental restorations, or modifying the shape of natural teeth. In other cases, oral appliance therapy restores bite harmony, alleviating stress on jaw joints.

You don’t have to suffer the pain of a TMJ disorder. Treatment begins with a compassionate consultation with either Dr. Pfister. Call Biodentist Alabama in Dothan, AL at (855) 939-5566.